Equestrian trio earns bronze in Somis
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Three Ojai equestrian students recently participated in a pony club rally in Somis and took home the third-place prize. The team was comprised of Isabel Bolton, fifth-grader at Ojai Valley School, Sofia Misisco (above), an eighth-grader at Matilija Junior High, and Maple Williams, a sixth-grader at San Antonio Elementary School.
Thacher track athletes produce at CIF-SS finals
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Thacher’s Winslow Atkeson powers down the homestretch of a recent 1,600 meter race.
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Caroline Delvecchio glides over a hurdle at Carpinteria High School.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
Local track and field coaching legend Ed Italo continues to produce great results. Now a coach at The Thacher School, Italo had two athletes produce stellar results at the CIF Southern Section Division 4 championships.
Wiggins pleased with NHS spring football results
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
Nordhoff’s Eli Dvortcsak is showing this spring that he should be a force running the football for the Rangers once the 2019 season gets underway.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
After several years of declining numbers, the Nordhoff High School football program is seeing that trend reverse this spring. Last week the Rangers wrapped up their spring practice sessions with 56 players on the field, up 13 from a year ago.
Sundowner Golf League has a new leader in the standings
Bob Martin's Leftovers has taken over the top spot in the Sundowner Golf League after seven weeks of play. Teams are jockeying for position as the halfway mark approaches, and the Leftovers rode a 61-point day all the way to the top of the leaderboard.
Boyd selected by Angels in MLB draft
Photo courtesy of Baylor University Athletics
Former Nordhoff High School standout Luke Boyd recently got the call he has dreamed about all of this life. On June 5, the Los Angeles Angels selected Boyd in the 38th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft. Boyd just completed his junior season at Baylor University where he went 3-0 with an impressive 2.14 earned run average.
Nordhoff wrestling to host fundraiser
Ojai Valley News photo by Ken Brown
The Nordhoff High School wrestling program is hosting its second annual Italian dinner and silent auction fundraiser June 8 from 2 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 kids 12 and under. The event will take place at the first Baptist Church of Ojai, (930 Grand Ave.)
NHS track team finishes strong at CIF-SS finals
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Nordhoff junior Jasmine Ramirez earned All-CIF honors in the 3,200-meter run this season. Ramirez finished her junior campaign with an impressive mark of 11:21.22.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
The Nordhoff High School track and field team wrapped up its season with a strong performance at the CIF Southern Section Finals, which were held May 12 at El Camino College.
Sundowners take advantage of stellar course conditions
The players in the Sundowners golf league took advantage of ideal course conditions to score record higher than normal point totals this past week. Soule Park has been preparing for the U.S. Senior Open qualifying event that takes place on June 5, and the Sundowners were the beneficiaries of the golf staff's hard work.
Benny Schurmer named Nordhoff High Rangers golf team MVP
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This year’s Nordhoff High School varsity golf team was composed of (front row, left to right) Benny Schurmer, Taj Felton, Ethan Sautto and Tyler Oswald. Back row, left to right: Liam Ellison, Cade Sauer, Dash Freeman, Reily Brown and Mason Moen.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News sports editor
The Nordhoff High School boys’ golf team finished its season with a 6-12 overall record this spring. The Rangers were led by freshman Benny Schurmer, who was also voted the team’s most valuable player. In his first year of varsity action, Schurmer finished with an average of 87.6 and also made the All-Citrus Coast League honorable mention team. The freshman star also earned the Jim Coultas Memorial award, which goes to the team’s most improved player.
Athletes run deep in Guerrero family
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Nordhoff High School senior Leo Guerrero was honored by the Rotary Club of Ojai for his work in the classroom and in athletics. He was joined by coach Dave Settem.
Leo Guerrero, a senior at Nordhoff, was recently recognized by the Rotary Club of Ojai as their physical education project student of the month and given a check for $300. Guerrero’s younger brother Gerardo also earned the award when he was a sixth grader at Topa Topa. Nordhoff teacher and coach Dave Settem said, “I have known Leo for several years; in fact, since he was a freshman in my math class. He was an excellent student, quiet, attentive and thoughtful.
Rangers claim first softball championship
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Nordhoff’s softball team pauses for a photo after winning the 2019 CIF Southern Section Division 6 championship.
Mike Miller, Ojai Valley News reporter
Earlier this spring, the Nordhoff High School softball team was worried about catching the Santa Paula Cardinals in the Citrus Coast League standings with the hope of winning the league championship. Despite not being able to capture the league title, the Lady Rangers caught fire late in the season and into the playoffs. For the first time in school history, the team will be able to hang a CIF Southern Section Divisional Championship banner after defeating Santiago High School in the finals May 17.
Davis, Wiksell highlight an exciting week for Sundowner golf
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Ken Wiksell celebrates his first-ever hole-in-one.
James Casey, Ojai Valley News contributor
Sundowner players saw much windier conditions than normal this past week at Soule Park. Scotty Davis of Bob Martin's Leftovers shot the lowest gross round of any player this year to rocket his team to the top of the standings.
Rice wins 2019 Ojai Valley Inn club title
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Lois Rice (right) and Mechas Grinnell went toe-to-toe in the 2019 Ojai Valley Inn Ladies Club Championship and the match wasn’t decided until the final hole. Rice eventually edged Grinnell by one stroke to stake claim to the coveted club championship. Grinnell did manage to win the low net score competition for the day.
Golf outing raises money for VPS athletics
Ojai Valley News photo by Holly Roberts
Doctor Ray Pierson admires his tee shot at the recent Villanova Gold Tournament Fundraiser. The annual event raises money for the Villanova Prep athletics programs and this year 88 golfers showed up to play in the event which was held at the Ojai Valley Inn. Golfers were treated to dinner after tournament action and according to organizers, the event was a success.